Shifting device

ABSTRACT

A shifting device includes a housing, a shift lever, and a sensor unit. The shift lever is moved along frontward or rearward and leftward or rightward to select one of shift positions. The sensor unit is of a non-contact type and detects the selected shift position. The sensor unit includes a plurality of sensors and a magnet. The relative positions of the sensors and the magnet are variable. The sensor unit detects the selected shift position according to the relative positions. According to movement of the shift lever, at least one of the group of the sensors and the magnet is moved along a first movement axis and a second movement axis. The first and second movement axes extend in different directions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a shifting device for changing ashift position.

[0002] A typical vehicle having an automatic transmission has a floorshifting device. A shifting device has a shift lever for switching thegear position of the automatic transmission. Some shifting devicesprovide manual gear selection as well as automatic gear selection. Sucha shifting device typically has a several gates formed in a panel. Forexample, such a shifting device has a first gate for automatic gearselection, a second gate for manual gear selection, and a third gate forswitching between the automatic and manual gear selections.

[0003] In the automatic gear selection, a driver moves the shift leverto the first gate and shifts the shift lever to one of a P (parking)position, an R (reverse) position, an N (neutral) position, and a D(advance) position. Accordingly, the gear position of the automatictransmission is changed. In the manual gear selection, the driver movesthe shift lever from the first gate to the second gate via the thirdgate, and selectively moves the shift lever toward M+ position (shift upposition) and M− position (shift down position). Accordingly, the gearposition of the automatic transmission is manually shifted by one gearat a time.

[0004]FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an electrical circuit of a shiftingdevice disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No.2002-89676. The shifting device includes a switch main body 51 mountedon a vehicle body. The switch main body 51 has a P contact 52, an Rcontact 53, an N contact 54, a D contact 55, a shift-up contact 56, anda shift-down contact 57. A negative electrode 58 extends arcuately alongthe switch main body 51. A shift lever (not shown) has a contactelectrode 59, which electrically connects one of the contacts 52 to 57with the negative electrode 58.

[0005] For example, when the shift lever is at the P position, thecontact electrode 59 contacts the P contact 52 and the negativeelectrode 58, thereby electrically connecting the P contact 52 and thenegative electrode 58 to each other. Accordingly, a controller 60determines that the shift lever is at the P position, and switches thegear position of the automatic transmission to the P position. When theshift lever is at any of the R, N, D positions, the controller 60operates in a similar manner.

[0006] When the driver moves the shift lever to the second gate, aposition detecting switch (not shown) is turned on. The positiondetecting switch continues to be on during the manual gear selection.During the manual gear selection, the contact electrode 59 contacts oneof the shift-up contact 56 and the shift-down contact 57, and thenegative electrode 58. Based on the contacting state of the negativeelectrode 58 with one of the shift-up and shift-down contacts 56, 57,and an ON signal from the position detecting switch, the controller 60detects one of a shift-up manipulation and a shift-down manipulation.The controller 60 then changes the gear position of the automatictransmission according to the shift position.

[0007] This shifting device is of a contact type, in which the positionof the shift lever is detected based on the contact state of thenegative electrode 58 with the contacts 52 to 57 with the contactelectrode 59. However, if the shifting device is used for an extendedperiod, the contact electrode 59 and the contacts 52 to 59 deterioratewith time due to wear. Therefore, the method using this shifting devicehas low reliability as a method for detecting the position of the shiftlever.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention toprovide a shifting device that improves the reliability of detection ofthe position of a shift lever.

[0009] To achieve the foregoing and other objectives and in accordancewith the purpose of the present invention, a shifting device having ahousing, a shift lever supported by the-housing, a non-contact typeposition detection mechanism, and a moving mechanism is provided. Theshift lever is moved at least along a first manipulation axis and asecond manipulation axis to select one of shift positions. The first andsecond manipulation axes extend in different directions. The non-contacttype position detecting mechanism detects a shift position selected bythe shift lever. The position detecting mechanism includes a pluralityof detecting devices and a detection objective device. The relativepositions between the detecting devices and the detection objectivedevice are variable. The position detecting mechanism detects theselected shift position according to the relative positions. Accordingto movement of the shift lever, the moving mechanism moves at least oneof the group of the detecting devices and the detection objective deviceat least along a first movement axis and a second movement axis. Thefirst and second movement axes extend in different directions.

[0010] The present invention also provides a shifting device having ahousing, a shift lever supported by the housing, a position detectingmechanism, a reflector member, and a moving mechanism. The shift leveris moved at least along a first manipulation axis and a secondmanipulation axis to select one of shift positions. The first and secondmanipulation axes extend in different directions. The position detectingmechanism has a plurality of light emitting portions and a plurality ofphotoreceptor portions for detecting light emitted by the light emittingportions. Each photoreceptor portion forms a pair with one of the lightemitting portions. The relative positions between the light emittingportions and the photoreceptor portions are variable. The positiondetecting mechanism detects the selected shift position according to therelative positions. The reflector member reflects light emitted by thelight emitting portions so that the reflected light is detected by thephotoreceptor portions. A plurality of holes are formed in the reflectormember such that the photoreceptor portions detect signals correspondingto the selected shift position. According to movement of the shiftlever, the moving mechanism moves at least one of the group of the lightemitting portions and the group of the photoreceptor portions at leastalong a first movement axis and a second movement axis. The first andsecond movement axes extend in different directions.

[0011] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The invention, together with objects and advantages thereof, maybest be understood by reference to the following description of thepresently preferred embodiments together with the accompanying drawingsin which:

[0013]FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a shiftingdevice according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0014]FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the shifting deviceshown in FIG. 1;

[0015]FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a sensor unitaccommodated in the shifting device shown in FIG. 1;

[0016]FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view showing the sensorunit shown in FIG. 3;

[0017]FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a magnetization pattern of a magnet;

[0018] FIGS. 6(a) to 6(e) are diagrams showing the relationship betweena magnet and Hall ICs;

[0019]FIG. 7 is a chart showing output codes of Hal ICs;

[0020]FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating a reflector plate andphotosensors according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic view showing a state in which light fromthe photosensors is reflected by the reflector plate of FIG. 8;

[0022]FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view showing a state in which light fromthe photosensors passes through the reflector plate of FIG. 8;

[0023]FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the interiorof a sensor unit according to another embodiment; and

[0024]FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic view showing an electrical circuit of aprior art shifting device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] A shifting device 1 according to a first embodiment of thepresent invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.The front, the rear, the left, and the right of the shifting device 1are defined as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in this embodiment.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the shift lever 2 includes the knob 8, alever main body 9, and a retainer 10. The lever main body 9 is pivotallycoupled to the retainer 10 with a pin 11. Thus, the shift lever 2 issupported by the retainer 10 to be pivotable leftward and rightwardabout the pin 11. The torsion spring 12 is engaged with a shaft of thepin 11. The torsion spring 12 urges the shift lever 2 toward the Fposition when the shift lever 2 is in the first gate 7 a. A nut 13 isthreaded to the distal portion of the pin 11 to prevent the pin 11 fromfalling off.

[0027] A shaft 14 extends through a lower portion of the pin 11. Theshaft 14 extends in a direction perpendicular to the direction of thepin 11. The shaft 14 is supported by the housing 16. The retainer 10pivots about the shaft 14. The shift lever 2 is moved in the shiftdirection about the shaft 14. A nut 15 is threaded to the distal portionof the shaft 14 to prevent the shaft 14 from falling off. A dome-shapedslide cover 17 is located between the cover plate 6 and the housing 16.The slide cover 17 moves synchronously with the shift lever 2.

[0028] A sensor recess 18 is formed on the outer surface of a rightsidewall 16 a of the housing 16. A sensor unit 19 is attached to thesensor recess 18. The sensor unit 19 functions to detect the position ofthe shift lever 2. The sensor unit 19 has an outer case 20 and a cover21. The outer case 20 accommodates a resin inner case 22, a first holder23, and a second holder 24. The first holder 23 holds a magnet 25, andthe second holder 24 holds the first holder 23. The sensor unit 19 is ofa slide type in which the magnet 25 is moved along crossing directionsin accordance with manipulation of the shift lever 2.

[0029] A rectangular first window 26 is formed in the upper portion ofthe right sidewall 16 a of the housing 16. A second window 27 is formedin the upper portion of the outer case 20 of the sensor unit 19. Thesecond window 27 faces the first window 26 and has substantially thesame area as the first window 26. A coupler portion 28 is integrallyformed with the lever main body 9. The coupler portion 28 extends fromthe lower portion of the lever main body 9 toward the sensor unit 19.When the shift lever 2 is assembled, the coupler portion 28 protrudes tothe interior of the outer case 20 through the first and second windows26, 27. A distal end 29 of the coupler portion 28, which issubstantially spherical, is engaged with a hole 30 formed in the innercase 22 (see FIG. 3). In this embodiment, the inner case 22, the firstholder 23, the second holder 24, and the coupler portion 28 form amoving mechanism.

[0030] A detected member, which is the magnet 25, is engaged with theinner case 22 such that part of the magnet 25 is exposed. The magnet 25is a shaped as a flat plate and is made of a magnetic material (ferrite,neodymium). The magnet 25 has north poles and south poles. The innercase 22 has a guide portion 31 extending along the shift direction. Inthis embodiment, the magnet 25 forms a part of the position detectingmechanism.

[0031] The first holder 23 is substantially shaped as a rectangularparallelepiped and has an opening. A guide groove 32 is formed in aninner surface of the first holder 23. The guide groove 32 corresponds tothe guide portion 31 and extends in the front-rear direction, or in afirst movement axis. The inner case 22 is accommodated in the firstholder 23 with the guide portion 31 of the inner case 22 engaged withthe guide groove 32 of the first holder 23. The guide portion 31 of theinner case 22 moves along the guide groove 32 of the first holder 23.

[0032] The second holder 24 has vertically extending two rails 33, acoupling plate 36 for coupling the rails 33 to each other, and a baseplate 37 attached to the coupling plate 36. The vertical direction inthis embodiment is a direction parallel to the axial direction of thelever 9 (see FIG. 1), or a direction along which the magnet 25 is movedwhen the shift lever 2 is moved leftward or rightward, or in a secondmovement direction. As shown in FIG. 3, each rail 33 has two extensionplate 34 extending along the vertical direction. The first holder 23 isaccommodated in the second holder 24 while being held between theextension plates 34 of each rail 33. In this state, the first holder 23is movable in the vertical direction. An installation plate 35 isattached to the second holder 24. The installation plate 35 is fixed tothe outer case 20 (see FIG. 1).

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the shifting device 1 includes a shift lever2 and a housing 16. The housing 16 has flanges 4 at the lower end. Thehousing 16 is fixed to a floor console 5 by fastening the flanges 4 tothe floor console 5 with screws (not shown). The upper portion of thehousing 16 is covered with a cover plate 6. A shift gate opening 7 isformed in the cover plate 6. A shift lever 2 extends upward through theshift gate opening 7. A spherical shift knob 8 is attached to the upperend of the shift lever 2.

[0034] The shift gate opening 7 includes a first gate 7 a extending inthe front-rear direction, a second gate 7 b extending leftward from acenter of the first gate 7 a, and a third gate 7 c extending rearwardfrom the left end of the second gate 7 b. The shift lever 2 is capableof moving along the shift gate opening 7. As the shift lever 2 is moved,the engagement condition of an automatic transmission of an A/T vehicleis switched. Specifically, the shift lever 2 is moved to any of a P(parking) position, an F (free) position, an N (neutral) position, and aD (drive) position. The shift lever 2 is manipulated frontward orrearward, or in a first manipulation axis (along a shift direction (seeFIG. 2)) either in the first gate 7 a, which includes the R, N, Dpositions, or in the third gate 7 c, which includes the F, P positions.When switched between the first gate 7 a and the third gate 7 c, theshift lever is manipulated leftward or rightward, or in a secondmanipulation axis, (along a select direction (see FIG. 2)). Whenmanipulated from the P position, the shift lever 2 is moved to the Fposition. When manipulated from the P position, the shift lever 2 ismoved to the F position. Also, after being moved to any of the R, N, Dpositions, the shift lever 2 is moved back to the F position.Specifically, when the shift lever 2 is manipulated from the F positionto the P position, the shift lever 2 is held at the P position by amember that is not illustrated. When the shift lever 2 is manipulatedfrom the F position to any of the R, N, D positions, first to fourthHall ICs 38 to 41 detect the position of the shift lever 2. Accordingly,the shifting device 1 is switched. (The Hall ICs 38 to 41 will bedescribed below.) Thereafter, when the driver releases the shift lever2, the shift lever 2 is returned to the F position by the force of thetorsion spring 12. That is, the shift lever 2 is not held at any of theR, N, and D positions. The shift lever 2 may be designed to return tothe F position after being manipulated to the P position.

[0035] When the coupler portion 28 is at a position shown by a solidline in FIG. 4, the shift lever 2 is in the first gate 7 a. For example,suppose that the driver moves the shift lever 2 leftward to the thirdgate 7 c. At this time, the distal end 29 of the coupler portion 28 ismoved upward. Accordingly, the first holder 23 is moved upward, and thecoupler portion 28 is moved to a position shown by an alternate long andshort dash line in FIG. 4. When the shift lever 2 is moved from thethird gate 7 c to the first gate 7 a, the first holder 23 is moveddownward and is returned to the position shown by the solid lines.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, detecting members, which are the firstto fourth Hall ICs 38 to 41 are located on the surface of the base plate37 of the second holder 24. The first to fourth Hall ICs 38 to 41 arearranged along the vertical direction and spaced at substantially equalintervals. When the first holder 23 is accommodated in the second holder24, the magnet 25 of the inner case 22 faces the first to fourth HallICs 38 to 41. When detecting a north pole of the magnet 25, the first tofourth Hall ICs 38 to 41 output an H signal. When detecting a south poleof the magnet 25, the first to fourth Hall ICs 38 to 41 output an Lsignal. A connector 42 is attached to the surface of the installationplate 35. A controller 43 mounted on the vehicle is connected to theconnector 42. In this embodiment, the first to fourth Hall ICs 38 to 41form part of the position detecting mechanism.

[0037]FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a magnetization pattern of a magnet.The surface of the magnet 25 is divided into fifteen magnetic polesections in three lateral lines and five vertical columns. As the shiftlever 2 is manipulated, some of the magnetic pole sections of the magnet25 face the first to fourth Hall ICs 38 to 41. Specifically, as shown inFIGS. 6(a) to 6(e), the relationship between the magnetic pole sectionsof the magnet 25 and the first to fourth Hall ICs 38 to 41 is changedaccording to the position of the shift lever 2. As shown in FIG. 7, thesignals (H signals and L signals) of the first to fourth Hall ICs 38 to41 form different codes each corresponding to one of the positions ofthe shift lever 2.

[0038] Even if any one of the first to fourth Hall ICs 38 to 41malfunctions, the codes of signals from the Hall ICs 38 to 41. aredifferent for each of the R, N, D, F, and P positions. Further, theoutput values of the Hall ICs 38 to 41 for the R position of the shiftlever 2 are the reverse of the output values for the D position. Thatis, if the output values of the Hall ICs 38 to 41 are H, L, L, L signalswhen the shift lever 2 is at the R position, the output values are L, H,H, H signals when the shift lever 2 is at the D position.

[0039] An operation of the shifting device 1 will now be described withreference to FIGS. 6(a) to 7. Suppose that the shift lever 2 isinitially at the P position, and then moved to the F position. When theshift lever 2 is at the P position, the relationship between the magnet25 and the Hall ICs 38 to 41 is in a state shown in FIG. 6(a), and theHall ICs 38 to 41 output an H signal, an H signal, an H signal, and an Lsignal (see FIG. 7), respectively.

[0040] When the driver moves the shift lever 2 frontward to the Fposition, the inner case 22 and the magnet 25 are moved frontwardrelative to the first holder 23, accordingly. When the shift lever 2 ismoved to the F position, the relationship between the magnet 25 and theHall ICs 38 to 41 is in a state shown in FIG. 6(b), and the Hall ICs 38to 41 output an H signal, an L signal, an H signal, and an H signal (seeFIG. 7), respectively.

[0041] Subsequently, when the driver moves the shift lever 2 rightwardfrom the F position to the N position, the inner case 22, the firstholder 23, and the magnet 25 are moved vertically relative to the secondholder 24, accordingly. When the shift lever 2 is moved to the Dposition, the relationship between the magnet 25 and the Hall ICs 38 to41 is in a state shown in FIG. 6(c), and the Hall ICs 38 to 41 output anL signal, an H signal, an H signal, and an H signal (see FIG. 7),respectively.

[0042] When the driver moves the shift lever 2 to the N position or theR position, the relationship between the magnet 25 and the Hall ICs 38to 41 is in a state shown in FIGS. 6(d) and 6(e), respectively, andoutput codes corresponding to the N position and the R position shown inFIG. 7 are outputted. Based on the output code of the signals from theHall ICs 38 to 41, which varies depending on the relationship betweenthe magnet 25 and the Hall ICs 38 to 41, the controller 43 determinesthe position of the shift lever 2.

[0043] This embodiment provides the following advantages.

[0044] When the shift lever 2 is moved frontward or rearward, the magnet25 is moved frontward or rearward, accordingly. When the shift lever 2is moved leftward or rightward, the magnet 25 is moved upward ordownward, accordingly. The non-contact type sensor formed of the magnet25 and the first to fourth Hall ICs 38 to 41 detects changes of theposition of the shift lever 2 in the lateral direction and thefront-rear direction. Therefore, if the sensor is used for an extendedperiod, the sensor hardly deteriorates with time. Further, thereliability of the position detection of the shift lever 2 is improved.Compared to a contact type sensor, the number of components is reduced.

[0045] Even if one of the four Hall ICs 38 to 41 malfunctions, thecontroller 43 is capable of detect the position of the shift lever 2based on signals from the other three Hall ICs. That is, themagnetization pattern of the magnet 25 is determined such that, even ifany one of the first to fourth Hall ICs 38 to 41 malfunctions, the codesof signals from the Hall ICs 38 to 41 are different for each of the R,N, D, A, and P positions. Therefore, even if one of the four Hall ICs 38to 41 malfunctions, the position of the shift lever 2 is accuratelydetected, and the reliability of the position detection of the shiftlever 2 is further improved.

[0046] In some cases, if the driver slowly manipulates the shift lever2, the output values of the Hall ICs 38 to 41 do not changesimultaneously due to variations of the magnetization state of themagnet 25 and the deviation of the position of the Hall ICs 38 to 41from the designed positions. In such cases, the same code may beoutputted for different positions of the shift lever 2. However, in thisembodiment, the magnet 25 is magnetized such that the output values ofthe Hall ICs 38 to 41 for the R position of the shift lever 2 are thereverse of the output values for the D position. Therefore, a movementthe shift lever 2 from the N position to the R position is noterroneously detected as a movement from the N position to the Dposition. Particularly, if the D position is erroneously detected as theR position or vice versa, the vehicle can move in the direction oppositefrom a desired direction. This embodiment eliminates the possibility ofsuch errors.

[0047] The inner case 22, to which the magnet 25 is attached, isaccommodated in the first holder 23, and the first holder 23 isaccommodated in the second holder 24. The size of the sensor unit 19 isreduced. Accordingly, the size of the shifting device 1 is reduced.

[0048] When the shift lever 2 is moved frontward of rearward, the magnet25 (the first holder 23) is moved vertically relative to the secondholder 24. Thus, the lateral size of the shifting device 1 is reduced.

[0049] The position of the shift lever 2 is detected with the magnet 25and the Hall ICs 38 to 41 in this embodiment. Compared to a case wherean optical rotary encoder is used, this embodiment has a simplerconfiguration.

[0050] A second embodiment of the present invention will now bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 6 to 10. The second embodiment is thesame as the first embodiment except for a method for detecting theposition of the shift lever 2. Therefore, the same reference numeralsare given to those components that the same as the correspondingcomponents of the first embodiment.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 8, a reflecting member, which is reflector plate44 in this embodiment, is located on the inner case 22 (see FIG. 1)instead of the magnet 25. Through holes 44 a are formed in the reflectorplate 44. The positions of the through holes 44 a correspond to themagnetic pole sections of south poles when the magnet 25 is used. Thethrough holes 44 a are formed with a press. Instead of the first tofourth Hall ICs 38 to 41, a plurality of position detecting members,which are first to fourth reflecting photosensors 47 to 50, are locatedon the surface of the base plate 37.

[0052] The photosensors 47 to 50 are packaged photo reflectors, eachhaving the corresponding one of first to fourth light emitting elements47 a to 50 a, and the corresponding one of first to fourthphotoreceptors (detecting portions) 47 b to 50 b. The light emittingelements 47 a to 50 a and the photoreceptors 47 b to 50 b are arrangedin the same direction. The light emitting elements 47 a to 50 a may beinclined relative to the photoreceptors (detecting portions) 47 b to 50b. As shown in FIG. 9, when light from the first light emitting element47 a is reflected by the reflector plate 44, and the reflected light isdetected by the first photoreceptor 47 b in the same package, the firstphotosensor 47 outputs an H signal. As shown in FIG. 10, when light fromthe first light emitting element 47 a passes through one of the throughholes 44 a, and the first photoreceptor 47 b in the same package doesnot detects the light, the first photosensor 47 outputs an L signal. Theother photosensors 48 to 50 operate in the same manner, and detaileddescription is therefore omitted.

[0053] The through holes 44 a are arranged such that the codes ofsignals from the photosensors 47 to 50 vary according to the position ofthe shift lever 2. Even if any one of the photosensors 47 to 50malfunctions, the codes of signals from the photosensors 47 to 50 aredifferent for each of the R, N, D, F, and P positions. Further, thethrough holes 44 a are arranged such that the output values of thephotosensors 47 to 50 for the R position of the shift lever 2 are thereverse of the output values for the D position.

[0054] When the shift lever 2 is moved to the P position by the driver,the first to third photosensors 47 to 49 output H signals, and thefourth photosensor 50 outputs an L signal. Based on the code of thesignal, the controller 43 determines that the shift lever 2 is at the Pposition. When the shift lever 2 is manipulated to any of the F, D, N, Rpositions, the photosensors 47 to 49 output signals corresponding to theposition of the shift lever 2. Based on a code formed of the outputtedsignals, the controller 43 determines the position of the shift lever 2.

[0055] In addition to the advantages of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1to 7, this embodiment provides the following advantages.

[0056] In a case where photosensors in which light emitting elements andphotoreceptors are separately formed, the light emitting elements needto be attached to the inner case 22, and the photoreceptors 37 need tobe attached to the base plate 37. However, in this embodiment, since thelight reflecting type photosensors 47 to 49 are used, the light emittingelements and the photoreceptors are attached to one of the inner case 22and the base plate 37. Therefore, the number of steps of mounting thephotosensors is reduced. Each of the first to fourth light emittingelements 47 a to 50 a and the corresponding one of the first to fourthphotoreceptors 47 b to 50 b are accommodated in a single package to formthe corresponding one of the first to fourth photosensors 47 to 50.Therefore, each of the photosensors 47 to 50 is mounted to the sensorunit 19 in a single process. This reduces the cost for mounting.

[0057] In a case of the magnetic sensor, the magnet 25 is provided withthe magnetization pattern of north poles and south poles. In this case,a magnetization yoke needs to be produced. This increases the costs.However, in this embodiment, it only requires that the through holes 44a be formed in the reflector plate 44 using a press. This reduces thecosts. Further, some magnetic type sensors have a magnetic shield toblock external magnetic field, which increases the costs. However, theoptical sensor as described in this embodiment requires no such increasein the costs.

[0058] Compared to magnetic type sensors, optical type sensors arefaster in response. Therefore, the position detecting method of thisembodiment, which is of an optical type, permits the position of theshift lever 2 to be quickly detected.

[0059] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that thepresent invention may be embodied in many other specific forms withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the invention. Particularly, itshould be understood that the invention may be embodied in the followingforms.

[0060] In the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 10, the structure including thesecond holder 24 permits the first holder 23 to move vertically relativeto the base plate 37. However, a structure without the second holder 24may be used. For example, a structure shown in FIG. 11 may be used. Inthis structure, two engaging portions 45 are formed at each side of thefirst holder 23. Each engaging portion 45 is bent toward the base plate37. A rail portion 46 is formed in each side section of the installationplate 35. The rail portions 46 are capable of receiving the engagingportions 45. The engaging portions 45 are engaged with the rail portions46 to permit the first holder 23 to move along the rail portions 46.Accordingly, the magnet 25 (the reflector plate 44) is moved vertically.

[0061] In the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 10, the magnet 25 (the reflectorplate 44) need not be slid along crossing directions. For example, themagnet 25 (the reflector plate 44) may be of rotor type. In this case,the magnet 25 is shaped arcuate, and, when the shift lever 2 ismanipulated along the shift direction, the magnet 25 is pivoted aboutthe shaft 14.

[0062] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 7, the magnetization pattern ofthe magnet 25 is not limited to the one that is described as long as thecode of signals outputted by Hall ICs 38 to 41 allows the position ofthe shift lever 2 to be detected. Also, in the embodiment of FIGS. 8 to10, the pattern of the through holes 44 a may be changed as necessary.

[0063] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 7, the magnetization pattern ofthe magnet 25 need not be determined such that, even if one of the HallICs 38 to 41 malfunctions, the position of the shift lever 2 isdetected. Further, the magnetization pattern of the magnet 25 need notbe determined such that the output values of the Hall ICs 38 to 41 forthe R position of the shift lever 2 are the reverse of the output valuesfor the D position. In the embodiment of FIGS. 8 to 10, the pattern ofthe through holes 44 a need not be determined such that the outputvalues of the photosensors 47 to 50 for the R position of the shiftlever 2 are the reverse of the output values for the D position.

[0064] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 7, the media for detecting themagnet 25 are not limited to Hall ICs. For example, magnetic resistanceelements such as magneto resistive effect elements or giant magnetoresistive elements may be used.

[0065] In the embodiment of FIGS. 8 to 10, each of the light emittingelements 47 a to 50 a are accommodated in the same package with thecorresponding one of the photoreceptors 47 b to 50 b to form thephotosensors 47 to 50. However, other configurations may be adapted. Forexample, an optical encoder may be used. In this case, shielding platehaving holes of a predetermined pattern is attached to the shift lever2, and the position of the shift lever 2 is detected based on lightreception pattern through the holes. In the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to10, the position detecting member is not limited to magnetic type oroptical type, but may be a non-contact detecting member that uses sound.

[0066] In the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 10, the positions of the shiftlever 2 is not limited to five positions, which are P, F, D, N, and Rpositions. For example, another shift position may be provided at aposition next to the F position opposite from the P position. In thiscase, the number of the shift position of the shift lever 2 is six.

[0067] In the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 10, the magnet 25 (the reflectorplate 44) is attached to the shift lever 2, and the Hall ICs 38 to 41(the photosensors 47 to 50) are attached to the vehicle body. However,this arrangement may be reversed.

[0068] In the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 10, the inner case 22 need notbe coupled to the lever main body 9 with the coupler portion 28. Forexample, the magnet (the reflector plate 44) may be arranged to move inthe same direction as the shift lever 2. In this case, the magnet 25(the reflector plate 44) may be fixed to the lever main body 9.

[0069] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 7, the Hall ICs 38 to 41 mayoutput an L signal when detecting a north pole, and output an H signalwhen detecting a south pole. In the embodiment of FIGS. 8 to 10, thephotosensors 47 to 50 may output an L signal when detecting light, andoutput an H signal when detecting no light.

[0070] In the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 10, the position of the couplerportion 28 is not limited to a lower portion of the lever main body 9.For example, the coupler portion 28 may be formed at a center of thelever main body 9.

[0071] In the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 10, the shifting device 1 isapplied to a vehicle. However, as long as applied to a system that usesthe shift lever 2 to determine the shift position, the shifting device 1may be applied to any type of system.

[0072] The present examples and embodiments are to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive and the invention is not to be limitedto the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope andequivalence of the appended claims.

1. A shifting device, comprising: a housing; a shift lever supported bythe housing, wherein the shift lever is moved at least along a firstmanipulation axis and a second manipulation axis to select one of shiftpositions, the first and second manipulation axes extending in differentdirections; a non-contact type position detecting mechanism fordetecting a shift position selected by the shift lever, wherein theposition detecting mechanism includes a plurality of detecting devicesand a-detection objective device, wherein the relative positions betweenthe detecting devices and the detection objective device are variable,wherein the position detecting mechanism detects the selected shiftposition according to the relative positions; and a moving mechanism,wherein, according to movement of the shift lever, the moving mechanismmoves at least one of the group of the detecting devices and thedetection objective device at least along a first movement axis and asecond movement axis, the first and second movement axes extending indifferent directions.
 2. The shifting device according to claim 1,wherein each detecting device outputs two different types of signalsaccording to the relative positions between the detecting devices andthe detection objective device, wherein the detection objective deviceis formed such that a combination pattern of signals outputted by thedetecting devices is changed according to the selected shift position,and wherein the detection objective device is formed such that, even ifone of the detecting devices malfunctions, the combination pattern ofthe remainder of the detecting devices is changed according to theselected shift position.
 3. The shifting device according to claim 2,wherein the detection objective device is formed such that the signalsoutputted when the shift lever is at a forward position are differentfrom the signals outputted when the shift lever is at a reverseposition.
 4. The shifting device according to claim 1, wherein themoving mechanism includes a first holder and a second holder, whereinthe first holder accommodates one of the group of the detecting devicesand the detection objective device and allows the accommodated devicesor device to move along the first movement axis, and wherein the secondholder accommodates the first holder and allows the first holder to movealong the second movement axis.
 5. The shifting device according toclaim 4, wherein, when the shift lever is moved along the firstmanipulation axis, the detecting devices or the detection objectivedevice are moved along the first movement axis in the first holder. 6.The shifting device according to claim 5, wherein the first manipulationaxis is parallel to the first movement axis.
 7. The shifting deviceaccording to claim 4, wherein, when the shift lever is moved along thesecond manipulation axis, the first holder is moved relative to thesecond holder along the second movement axis.
 8. The shifting deviceaccording to claim 7, wherein the second manipulation axis is differentfrom the second movement axis.
 9. The shifting device according to claim1, wherein, when the shift lever is moved along the first manipulationaxis, the moving mechanism moves at least one of the group of thedetecting devices and the detection objective device along the firstmovement axis, and wherein, when the shift lever is moved along thesecond manipulation axis, the moving mechanism moves at least one of thegroup of the detecting devices and the detection objective device alongthe second movement axis.
 10. The shifting device according to claim 1,wherein the position detecting mechanism is of a magnetic type.
 11. Theshifting device according to claim 10, wherein the detecting devices areHall elements, and the detection objective device is a magnet.
 12. Ashifting device, comprising: a housing; a shift lever supported by thehousing, wherein the shift lever is moved at least along a firstmanipulation axis and a second manipulation axis to select one of shiftpositions, the first and second manipulation axes extending in differentdirections; a position detecting mechanism having a plurality of lightemitting portions and a plurality of photoreceptor portions fordetecting light emitted by the light emitting portions, wherein eachphotoreceptor portion forms a pair with one of the light emittingportions, wherein the relative positions between the light emittingportions and the photoreceptor portions are variable, wherein theposition detecting mechanism detects the selected shift positionaccording to the relative positions; a reflector member, wherein thereflector member reflects light emitted by the light emitting portionsso that the reflected light is detected by the photoreceptor portions,and wherein a plurality of holes are formed in the reflector member suchthat the photoreceptor portions detect signals corresponding to theselected shift position; and a moving mechanism, wherein, according tomovement of the shift lever, the moving mechanism moves at least one ofthe group of the light emitting portions and the group of thephotoreceptor portions at least along a first movement axis and a secondmovement axis, the first and second movement axes extending in differentdirections.
 13. The shifting device according to claim 12, wherein eachlight emitting portion outputs two different types of signals accordingto the relative positions between the light emitting portions and thephotoreceptor portions, wherein the holes are formed such that acombination pattern of signals outputted by the light emitting portionsis changed according to the selected shift position of the shift lever,and wherein the holes are formed such that, even if one of the lightemitting portions malfunctions, the combination pattern of the remainderof the light emitting portions is changed according to the selectedshift position.
 14. The shifting device according to claim 13, whereinthe holes are formed such that the signals outputted when the shiftlever is at a forward position are different from the signals outputtedwhen the shift lever is at a reverse position.
 15. The shifting deviceaccording to claim 12, wherein the moving mechanism includes a firstholder and a second holder, wherein the first holder accommodates one ofthe group of the light emitting portions and the group of thephotoreceptor portions and allows the accommodated portions to movealong the first movement axis, and wherein the second holderaccommodates the first holder and allows the first holder to move alongthe second movement axis.
 16. The shifting device according to claim 15,wherein, when the shift lever is moved along the first manipulationaxis, the light emitting portions or the photoreceptor portions aremoved along the first movement axis in the first holder.
 17. Theshifting device according to claim 16, wherein the first manipulationaxis is parallel to the first movement axis.
 18. The shifting deviceaccording to claim 15, wherein, when the shift lever is moved along thesecond manipulation axis, the first holder is moved relative to thesecond holder along the second movement axis.
 19. The shifting deviceaccording to claim 18, wherein the second manipulation axis is differentfrom the second movement axis.
 20. The shifting device according toclaim 12, wherein, when the shift lever is moved along the firstmanipulation axis, the moving mechanism moves at least one of the groupof the light emitting portions and the group of the photoreceptorportions along the first movement axis, and wherein, when the shiftlever is moved along the second manipulation axis, the moving mechanismmoves at least one of the group of the light emitting portions and thegroup of the photoreceptors along the second movement axis.